KENT CREEK FIRE

KENT CREEK FIRE. 5.6 MILES SOUTHWEST OF WINSTON, OR:

On Friday, June 5, 2026, at approximately 1:00 a.m., the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) responded to a reported natural cover fire located approximately 5.6 miles southwest of Winston, Oregon.

Upon arrival, firefighters discovered an estimated 5-acre slash fire burning within an inactive timber harvest unit. Crews immediately initiated an aggressive initial attack utilizing four engines, a dozer, a water tender, and overhead command staff. Additional resources were requested and continued to arrive throughout the early morning hours.

Initial attack efforts successfully halted the fire’s forward progression. The fire is now estimated to be between 12 and 15 acres in size and is 100% trailed, with approximately 40% of the fire perimeter secured with hose line.

Day shift resources have rotated into the incident and currently include personnel and equipment from the Oregon Department of Forestry's West Lane and Southwest Oregon districts, two water tenders, two dozers, and two contracted 20-person hand crews.

Visible smoke may remain in the area as firefighting resources continue suppression and mop-up operations throughout the day. Residents and travelers in the vicinity should expect to see smoke and fire personnel working in the area.

The cause of the fire remains under active investigation.

There are currently no homes or structures threatened by the fire.

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June 5, 2026 @ 4:23 FINAL UPDATE

The Kent Creek Fire, which was first reported at approximately 1:00 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, has reached its final mapped size of 16.4 acres.

Firefighters assigned to the incident have made significant progress on containment efforts.

Crews have successfully completed 100% control line, and hose lay around the entire fire perimeter and have transitioned into mop-up operations. Resources are currently focused on locating and extinguishing remaining heat sources within the first 50 feet of the fire perimeter and working toward achieving the 200-foot mop-up standard around the fire's edge.

Contract resources and personnel from neighboring Oregon Department of Forestry districts have been instrumental in the progress made on the fire today. Contract water tenders played a critical role in suppression efforts by shuttling and delivering water into the fire area, ensuring a continuous water supply for firefighters working on containment and mop-up operations.

Crews from the Oregon Department of Forestry's Southwest Oregon and West Lane districts will be released from the incident at the end of shift and return to their respective districts, where they will once again be available for initial attack response within their protection areas.

The fire will continue to be staffed and patrolled 24 hours a day until mop-up operations are complete and firefighters are confident that all remaining heat has been extinguished.

The cause of the fire remains under active investigation.

Due to the successful completion of containment objectives and the transition into mop-up, this will serve as the final public update for the Kent Creek Fire.

Residents and travelers in the area may continue to see smoke as crews continue mop-up operations over the coming days.

DFPA would like to thank all assisting agencies, contract resources, and personnel whose efforts contributed to the successful containment of this fire.